I woke up gasping for breathe, my head pounding. Most events of the previous night were hazy, jumbled unclear, all I remembered was, sinking into the endless black.

My vision took a few seconds to re-gain its clarity, all I could see was an almost dark room, a bit of struggle and I was free from the enormous piece of cloth that had been covering me.

Trying to sit up I noticed a grip on my hand, my mind spinning several probable scenarios that might have caused me to have end up here and none seemed promising.

The figure, though sitting on the floor, seemed to be deep in slumber and from their firm grip I estimated that it would be hard to get away for me. I couldn't recall how I came here and my mind screamed trouble.

Had I been kidnapped?

Was I drunk?

Had I been drugged?

Each thought adding to my panic.

Taking a deep but slow breathe trying to calm myself, I tried gaining control over my motions and emotions.

The cot I was on, was near the wall thus my free hand found nothing but a book when searching for an excuse of a weapon.

Deciding that it was better than nothing, I gripped it tight in one hand while the other made futile attempts of unnoticed escape.

Jostling a bit too much caused this person on guard to wake, hardly had he looked up when I made my desperate attempt at escape, doing the sole thing my mind could come up with.

Without waiting for an explanation I hit the person repeatedly with the book I had, only to achieve a momentary win as he released my hand, snatched the book and simultaneously flicked the lights on.

I hadn't decided to wait, made a dash for the door which was hardly steps away, when strong arms pulled me back, lightly shoving me on the bed, I couldn't help but gasp on seeing who my captor was.

It was Belikov.

It took me moments to notice that he looked even better with his hair untied. Not wanting him to realize that he had any effect on me, I looked away, pointedly staring at any and all places, except him.

He took a step towards me and I jumped back, seeing my behaviour he immediately receded.

Moments later, his hands reached out to me, and I shrinked further back into the covers. This wasn't right.

Little did I notice the cause of his movements.

"It's only water, I promise."He said, lightly placing a bottle of transparent liquid in front of me.

My sole response were the questions that had been badgering me eversince I had woken up minutes ago, that seemed to have occurred ages ago, "Why and how am I here?"

"You and your friends had been pranked last night, only that it turned out to be quite troublesome and serious on your part.

So here you are treated, safe and on the road to recovery."He stated confidently.

"So you didn't kidnap me? I'm not drunk or drugged?"

"No, none of that." He answered appearing amused at my question.

I hadn't been tied or gagged, nor was I hurt, Belikov was not enough threatening now, thus I believed him.

My relief was palpable as I sagged into the covers, with a sigh, sometime later, I tentatively reached for the bottle, tasted a bit of the liquid inside-water it was,and drank wholesome gulps of it until I was satisfied.

When I focused back to my surrounding, I saw Belicov, sitting on the floor of the room, leaning against the wall, quitely observing me.

Heat rose to my cheeks, and trying to distract (myself more than him) , I asked.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I did. All of them."

"No you didn't, not exactly."

"What are you talking about?"

"About HOW, I got HERE. "

"I carried you."

The heat that had risen to my cheeks did not lessen, instead increased if possible, it was one of the moments, where I wished I would be swallowed by the bed, or the power cut off or I disappeared, anything but this.

Way to create distraction.

As if sensing my discomfort, he got up and left saying that he had to inform others and that I was to stay there.

He returned minutes later, informing me that my friends were on the way.

"When can I return to training?"

"Not until tomorrow."He answered, quirking an eyebrow.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing." He answered.

In the minutes that followed, I took in my surroundings carefully. It was a small room with, deep grey walls, a single cot, a cupboard and a small desk, in front of the small window and I assumed that the other door led to the adjoint restroom.

The room didn't have the feel of belonging to someone, it was completely unadorned , if not for the few books arranged neatly on the desk.

The whole room was impeccably neat and well maintained small despite being tiny as it was.

Having nothing more to do and nowhere to be, I observed Belikov as he got ready before the others arrived.

He tied up his hair, washed his face, and put on his duster.

That ridiculous coat actually did suit him well.

Catching me stare, he threw my words back at me, "What?"

"Nothing."I smiled replying.

"Sorry."I added immediately as an afterthought, "You know,... for hitting you with your book."

"It's okay, I'm just glad that you didn't tear it." He said almost smiling, but not so much.

And then reluctantly he added, "But you need to be better at defending yourself, had you been in actual trouble , that act would have in no way aided you."

I nodded understanding the importance of his words.

"What is this room used for?" I continued interrogating.

"Its my room." He simply added, confirming my guess.

"Can you tell me what happened last night?

I tried but I can't seem to remember anything. "

"Yes, someone played a prank on you and Lissa, in which Lissa escaped but you collapsed." He answered, vaguely almost frowning.

"But you need to tell me more abou..."

The rest of my words were interrupted as Lissa hugged me a little too tight quite suddenly and sobbed.

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Hello my dear readers, what do you think of the chapter?

I'm thinking about fixing an updating schedule, every Wednesday night or Thursday morning. What do you think?

Have a good day ahead!

-Katnipsc ;)